Rakhi Sawant is happy and pleased with the way she culminated her journey on Bigg Boss 14. The Pardesiya girl was probably the only contestant this season who made an effort to entertain the audience. While Rubina Dilaik was announced the winner, Rakhi Sawant came out of the game show with prizes worth 14 lakh.
OG champion Bigg Boss spoke to indianexpress.com about her decision to give up in the final, her experience and how the support of host Salman Khan helped her survive the game.
Excerpts from conversation …
How does it feel to be promoted as the “true queen of entertainment” in Bigg Boss?
I’m so happy that I made the decision to return to the show. I really can’t express my gratitude for the way people have loved me. I have no regrets about my trip, especially about the openness about my marriage. All this time, I’ve been a mum about this, and when you’re on a show like Bigg Boss, and no one believes what you’re saying, you tend to break down. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to open up about my life on the platform. The show gave me so much love that while I’m here, I feel like my soul is still in the house.
You were part of the first season, and now this one. How different were both trips for you?
There were a lot of differences. When I did the first season, I had no idea about the cameras or what kind of content works. People who kept a low profile like Rahul Roy continued to win the season. Now, there was a natural upgrade, and the competitors realized the value of the fun. You have to fight, compete in tasks, and make sure you get enough audience votes to keep them safe. You have to be a pack and not sit in a corner hoping to win. I’m a born animator and I’ve done exactly what I do in real life. And I’m so happy that people have loved me and made me come so far.
Given that you had so much love, what made you leave the show at the last minute, choosing the bag of money?
It was only a matter of a few hours, and in the end only one had to win. If I lost, I would be left with nothing. At least I have a huge amount of money with me now. I have a zero bank balance at the moment and I needed money for my mother’s medical needs. I have spent all my savings over the last few years on her operations and needed financial support. I have no regrets, because at that moment all I could think about was the rising bills that I have to pay soon.
You were the only competitor who did not have a social team or PR while in the house.
It all happened so fast I didn’t have time. I gave my maid’s phone number, and she has no idea how to use social media. I didn’t even get to buy makeup and clothes. I’m glad that, even without a PR machine, I managed to win the love of the public.
A section of viewers thinks that you talked about your marriage and even created Julie just for the content.
I talked about my marriage in the low moments when I was at home. As for Julie, Rahul Mahajan spoke ill of my profession and how cheap my fans were. I was very upset and I didn’t know how to express myself. I was really alone and I had no one to talk to. When I returned from the shower that day, Julie was inside me. You might call it fake content or entertainment, but Julie helped me survive the game. She is my strong alter ego.
You were also accused of crossing the line with Abhinav Shukla when you pulled his shorts.
I don’t think there’s a line when it comes to love. I just wanted to have some good times with him. I also didn’t cross any lines. I know my limits. I was given the task of being around him and, in a reflex moment, I pulled on the ropes, but his shorts did not fall off. So why make a nuance and cry about it.
In addition to the love of the public, you also had the support of Salman Khan throughout. What do you have to say about that?
He is a rock star and a true legend in himself. He really supported me a lot and I don’t think I would have survived the game without him. When Jasmin hit me on the nose, I was in huge pain and I wanted to leave, but he gave me strength. Salman and the love of the audience helped me endure all the pain.
What were the best and worst moments for you in Bigg Boss 14?
The worst was when Jasmin attacked me with a duck’s head. And I think every second I spent inside was the best for me. I can still see every moment clearly. Bigg Boss is in my blood, in my DNA now, and whenever the show needs me, I’ll run back.
In addition to Rakhi and Rubina, the other Bigg Boss 14 finalists included Rahul Vaidya, Aly Goni and Nikki Tamboli.